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I was wondering if anyone had any evidence on whether or not the circulation boosters advertised are any good? They claim to improve circulation, reduce swelling, joint pain and numbness. The booster works by sending tiny electrical impulses through the nerve endings in the soles of the feet and to the lower leg which in turn, stimulates muscle contraction and improves circulation.

I have had many patients asking about this, and as they are priced at £200 it's alot of money if they don't do the job.

Any advice appreciated.

Rachel

I would have thought that if they worked vascular surgeons would be the first to be recommending them to their patients? Have you ever heard of a vascular surgeon do that?

I've also had patients asking about them but always been honest and said I have no experience of them.

I've since had a couple of patients who have tried them - one in particular finds it very useful - used to get severe cramps and had tried crampeze and other products with little success. She now finds that she still gets the cramps to some degree but certainly not as bad as they once were.

As you say though they are a lot of money and I was dubious of their efficacy

Thanks for the replies.

DaVinci, I have heard of no one except the companies recommending them.

wear84 I'm glad that your patient has had some relief from using it, however, I don't think i'm going to start recommending them myself!

Short term peripheral circ boost can be obtained pharmacologically......nicotinamide is sometimes prescribed for that, do you want long term or short term action? Anything that demonstrably achieved vasodilation is going to help isn't it? If this is achieved by electrical stimulation then why not? I think saying that if it worked then surgeons would promote it is very naive......how many orthopaedic surgeons actively promote soft tissue rehab via physio?.....plenty don't bother, does that mean its worthless?
regards Phill

Ask them for their research papers and clinical evidence base....should be interesting. Post it on here and we can do a critical review

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Thanks guys, I'll see if I can get their research papers. I'll keep you updated!

There is one clinical study on their website (scroll down a quarter of the page)

http://www.circulationbooster.co.uk/...he-experts-say

After reading it i'm still not convinced, there is support for the electrical stimulation helping with reduction in swelling and blood pooling. However I feel some gentle walking by the patients in their own homes would probably do the same job? Please have a read and let me know what you think.

Regards

Rachel

No dates? or publications in recognised journals? lots of blind you with science but a distinct lack of referencing ?????
Individual quotes from specialists?

Well dodgy !!!

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The advert and website both have an endorsement by the same vascular surgeon - I am currently investigating whether that person is in fact a director of the company!! Will let you know what I find out

I am too sceptical about these circulation boosters and associated cost.

I have found one of my patients ( approx 65-70 yoa, obese) who has used it and is still using it, found it to be very useful in decreasing the frequency of her cramping and also reducing the amount of swelling. I can't quantify the change but apparently its enough for her to notice a change.

She's happy with it so i often suggest it to patients with the same traits.

just my two cents...

Steve

Hi All,

I am emailing on behalf of WeightWorld.co.uk, a weight loss/healthy living specialist online. We have recently taken on the Electro Flex Circulation Booster and I would like to offer those on Podiatry Arena some more information on the product as I can see here that the Circulation Booster v3 model has received some bad press/coverage.

At WeightWorld, we do not stock the Circulation Booster v3 but the Electro Flex Circulation Booster. The item uses T.E.N.S technology (a tried and tested technology advocated by doctors all over the world) to stimulate muscle movement in the legs and promote blood circulation. As a result of an increased blood circulation, any pain/aching/swelling in the legs can be reduced, relieving much discomfort.

We have insured that our item comes fully certified to be sold in the UK (look out for the CE mark on the box of the product.)

Whilst not everyone is going to necessarily want such a product, the feedback from our customers has been that the item is very lightweight, easily portable and very effective at reducing pain from swelling in the legs and ankles. The tingling sensation in the legs can be a little uncomfortable at first, but after a couple of days our customers report an acclimatisation to the sensation.

If you have any further questions on the item, please don't hesitate to contact our customer service department on 0207 084 7596.

Many thanks,

Sarah

Sarah - do you supply users with a list of cautions and contraindications?

Steve

I've not recommended it to anyone (due to the cost - although one should bear in mind that the company does have a refund-if-returned-within-3-months policy) but about 3 of my patients have bought one. They all have PVD with cold feet, cramping etc and all 3 of them have been very pleased with the reults, reporting a noted decrease in pain/cramping.
I'm still sitting on the fence but I won't dismiss it out of hand.

Hi Steve,

Yes we do provide our customers with a list of cautions as not everyone should use devices that function using TENS technology.

If you would like to read the list of cautions/contraindications, please visit the following link: http://www.weightworld.co.uk/electro...n-booster.html

Many thanks,

Sarah

Here is a video clip on this:

http://www.podiatry-arena.com/images/circulation.wmv

If it does not play when clicked; use right click and 'save as'

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After many years of Chemotherapy and subsequent diabetes (Type 2) which has resulted in severe myopathy of both my feets (no ulcers or sores at this point) I had been experiencing severe discomfort in both feet. I couldn't even have the bed sheets touching my toes.

I was given a Circulation Booster product for Christmas and started using it. Within about 5 days of 3 sessions a day the pain has largely gone. While my feet are not restored the pain relief has been excellent.

I usually use the CB 2 times a day (morning & evening) for 30 minutes on 1/2 its power. I find if I don't use it for a week or so the pins and needles etc. return

HI Phil and others,
I have noted there is no contraindication with peripheral neuropathy either on the website or on the box. Having noted that -I was still going to try it on a guy with neuropathy because I still believe we have little else evidence based treatments for neuropathy .
We a machine at work that was purchased before I got here.
Yes I think the research is cruddy and anecdotal and could see little reason to recommend them but will give it a go.
Yes TENS is in use and researched but as for it improving circulation- whatever that means- still sceptical.

I recommend the circulation booster only in the case of venous disease/valvular dysfunction. It makes sense to me that increasing muscle activity will aid venouse return. I see little evidence supporting its use with arterial disease.